SPG changing some SVO redemption categories

[YYJMSP]

As of March 1st, Starwood is changing the SPG category of some of the SVO properties.

Westin Desert Willow -- goes from 4 to 5
Westin Mission Hills -- goes from 4 to 5
Westin Riverfront -- goes from 5 to 6

The rate to redeem rooms at those properties using SPG points will increase for bookings made as of March 1st; however, you can still redeem at the current lower rate if you make the booking prior to March 1st...

Here's the full list of changes if anyone wants to browse through it...

 

[sail27bill]

Thanks for posting this!

Thanks so much for posting this information. I booked a number of stays using points in January and it seems I lucked out as almost all are being raised to higher category levels. However, now that I noticed a few places I would like to stay at have dropped their point requirements, I just might have to add a few more hotel stays this year. My husband is going to kill me.......

Anita

 

[squeeze]

Does this have any effect on TS trades or trading power?

 

[jarta]

squeeze, ... "Does this have any effect on TS trades or trading power?"

No. A change in SPG category level only affects those who use SPG resort and hotel Starpoints for reservations.

About the same number of hotels and resorts went down as went up. And, most remained in the same category. When I looked, I didn't see any timeshare resorts that were demoted.

The StarOption amounts for internal SVN trading are not changed. I doubt the change in category level will affect II trading all that much. But, if the resorts (WMH - where I am now, WDW and Riverfront) are perceived to be more desirable, there might be less bulk depositing in II and more renting at the resort in the future. Trading power in II is determined by II, not Starwood. ... eom

 

[DavidnRobin]

WKV is also moving up from 4 to 5

all of the NYC SPG hotels (that one would care to stay in...) are going up - better make my plans to take Robin to NYC by Mar1

 

[Ken555]

Thanks for posting. I guess it is that time of year again.

I see a few hotels increasing which I've been to and deserve it, and others which don't, IMO. But then, SPG didn't ask me.

I do see others that I want to visit which are increasing and I'll have to make some reservations shortly... And others that I have now that will cost less, which I'll have to update.

 

[spencersmama]

I don't remember what it is called, but if you think you might want to go to one of the resorts sometime soon, contact SPG and instead of making a reservation, they make a courtesy hold. (I forget the exact name and specific details.) What I do remember is that it is pretty much the same as a reservation, except more flexible if you need to cancel or change the dates. I found out about this last year because I wanted to make reservations for a hotel in London during the olympics, but none of the event tickets were available at the time. If I had made the reservation, I would have had to forfeit some of the points due if I canceled later because I couldn't get event tickets. This way it is kind of a reservation in limbo, but seems more flexible if I need to cancel or change it. Maybe someone can help explain what I'm talking about a little better. I also remember the SPG person saying it was more flexible doing it that way if I needed to change the dates. I don't know if they would give you the old rate or newer rate though.

(OK, I think I've said "I don't know" in this post about 5 times , but I'm sure someone does on this site. )

 

[YYJMSP]

WKV is also moving up from 4 to 5

I thought that was only the hotel side of the property...

 

[YYJMSP]

Thanks so much for posting this information. I booked a number of stays using points in January and it seems I lucked out as almost all are being raised to higher category levels.

We booked at the Westin Aruba for this summer, and it went from a 4 to a 5, so it would have cost 20% to 60% (depending on season) more if we had waited until after Mar 1st.

 

[YYJMSP]

I don't know if they would give you the old rate or newer rate though.

Anything you book before Mar 1st is at the old rate.

Anything you book (or change) after Mar 1st is at the new rate.

 

[squeeze]

WKV is also moving up from 4 to 5

all of the NYC SPG hotels (that one would care to stay in...) are going up - better make my plans to take Robin to NYC by Mar1

I did the same due to this post. Thought I better not wait.

I booked the Manhattan on Time Square for New Years Eve.

Doesn't look possible as a trade w/the TS, so am using Starpoints.

Also, have read mixed reviews on this hotel, but the location seems great for a 1st trip to NY for the "Eve".

If anyone has any suggestions for request that I should make prior to arrival, please let me know.

Thanks to the OP for the post and update. ! I am very excited to get to take the teens to NY and on New Years Eve.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I thought that was only the hotel side of the property...

You are correct - sorry, I misread. Unfortunately I can no longer edit my post.

 

[YYJMSP]

Was looking through the list again, and just noticed one more SVO change:

Sheraton Steamboat -- goes from 6 to 7

 

[J&JFamily]

Was looking through the list again, and just noticed one more SVO change:

Sheraton Steamboat -- goes from 6 to 7

That actually makes sense because the smallest unit at that resort is a 2 bedroom that is over 1,600 square feet.

 

[sail27bill]

I did the same due to this post. Thought I better not wait.

I booked the Manhattan on Time Square for New Years Eve.

If anyone has any suggestions for request that I should make prior to arrival, please let me know.

Thanks to the OP for the post and update. ! I am very excited to get to take the teens to NY and on New Years Eve.

I just stayed here on cash and points (just got back today) and had a wonderful trip. We actually got upgraded to a premium room being just a lonely gold member and it was great---window seat, nice view, room 100 sq. ft. larger than the regular room not to mention it had a Mac computer with free internet included. I have been upgraded before, but usually not in NY...especially during high travel times. It was a nice perk. We went to see Wicked and it was fantastic. Actually the location is great so I am going to book here again to see Spiderman (the venue is right around the corner). I would think for New Years Eve it would be perfect. Alot of great places to eat around there, and Shulas steak place is attached to the hotel. Also you get reduced parking (we only paid $27/night as a guest).

Happy Travels.

Anita

 

[squeeze]

I just stayed here on cash and points (just got back today) and had a wonderful trip. We actually got upgraded to a premium room being just a lonely gold member and it was great---window seat, nice view, room 100 sq. ft. larger than the regular room not to mention it had a Mac computer with free internet included. I have been upgraded before, but usually not in NY...especially during high travel times. It was a nice perk. We went to see Wicked and it was fantastic. Actually the location is great so I am going to book here again to see Spiderman (the venue is right around the corner). I would think for New Years Eve it would be perfect. Alot of great places to eat around there, and Shulas steak place is attached to the hotel. Also you get reduced parking (we only paid $27/night as a guest).

Happy Travels.

Anita

Thanks for the info.
We are not sure we are going to rent a car (we usually do, but heard traffic was really bad and parking very expensive). But, we are thinking about getting a car for a few days. We are interested in getting 'out a ways' and trying to find a place to snow mobile. But, if this does not work out, I am thinking a car will not be necessary. (am I crazy?)

If anyone has info. on this, I would really be interested to hear.

We do plan to take in a show and see many sites. We can't wait.


Darn, I think I'm asking questions about NY in the wrong thread. But, it's a great idea to book any of these SPG changes before March 1, it's just around the corner.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Why The Manhattan over something like the Westin Times Sq - only 2K more per nite? Curious, because I am thinking of booking prior to 3/1 for Fall.

Having stayed in Times Sq - at the Marriott - I am not sure why one would want a car - it is crazy by Times Sq - it took about 30mins for the maniac Taxi driver to go the last 3 blocks - after zooming from JFK. You certainly do not need a car in Manhattan - perhaps find a Car Rental close to a subway stop outside of Manhattan - and rent from there? iirc - they also rent by the hour - my sister did this when living there. I think the fee to go thru the tunnel is now $25.

 

[LJT]

I just booked as well!

I did the same due to this post. Thought I better not wait.

I booked the Manhattan on Time Square for New Years Eve.

Doesn't look possible as a trade w/the TS, so am using Starpoints.

Also, have read mixed reviews on this hotel, but the location seems great for a 1st trip to NY for the "Eve".

If anyone has any suggestions for request that I should make prior to arrival, please let me know.

Thanks to the OP for the post and update. ! I am very excited to get to take the teens to NY and on New Years Eve.

Just booked a night in Times Square too. - Taking our nephew there for one night on our way to Iceland in June. Thanks for saving me the points. Tuggers are the bomb!!!